Epping Forest Epics

Mick_the_Greek · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 289 Location: South Woodford

Its hard to believe that just over two weeks ago I was still in Greece, since being back its been nothing but wet, with not much riding done, one Sunday in the Forest and one beastway. If any of you might be unsure of what to expect if you were to join us in Greece I would like to relate my own experiences over just a five day trip.
Arrive late via Olympic Airways just before midnight thurs 21.june. Met at Airport by a smiling Em & Alaric who guide me out to the unaircnditioned car park, the heat hits you first, nice change. 30 mins later arrive outside hotel, to be greeted by owner,Nico, who I should point out is my mate of many years, cold lager & metexa brandy go to room about 1.30 am while agreeing to go riding at 10.00am next day.
Friday, egg bacon breakfast , then presented with specialised hard tail.
Set off just after 10.30 with temp forecast up to 40.0C. Alaric, Em & Myself
head up towards Pendeli which is the local mountain range directly above the resort. Pass a few locals on the way out of the village who just look at us if we are totally mad and mutter something about a heatwave. Even the dogs can't be bothered to bark. Climb is tough but manageable with postcard views of the village & coastline below. All is rewarded at the top by a well deserved cafe/restaurant stop overlooking the whole penisula. What this first days riding bought home to me that even with the heat it was manageable, due no doubt to the low humidity, taking on plenty of water, riding within onself and plenty of sun block. After lunch , downhill all the way back to the hotel, what a reward! Quick shower and into the swimming pool. In the Eavening meet up with long time suffering greek girlfriend and along with Emily & Alaric visit a traditional greek restaurant on the outskirts of Nea Makri, Retsina and pork chops by the Kilo with complimentry liquer & fruit at the end of the meal. For those budget conscious, the total bill came to 20 Euros a head. The only downside to all this is that, tomorrow Saturday, the plan is a 6.30am start to meet a group of other riders to cycle through the royal forest at Tatoi, more in my report for day 2. to follow.